Bond University will lead a national $14 million sports science research project in collaboration with The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute.

The project is the largest of its kind, with $5.75 million cash funding from the Commonwealth Government.

The Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education has awarded Bond University a $5.75million Collaborative Research Network (CRN) grant.

In collaboration with Professor Matt Brown's group at The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, the project also involves the Australian Institute of Sport, and the University of Sydney, and will identify proactive ways to manage the health and fitness, and potential for injury of athletes and the wider community.

Professor Matt Brown says this is a great opportunity to partner UQDI's outstanding strength in genomics research with leading experts in musculoskeletal sciences to investigate issues relating not just to athletic performance, but also healthy ageing.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Bond University in this fascinating study, which will contribute a lot to the understanding of major musculoskeletal diseases of ageing, such as osteoporotic fracture and arthritis.”

Bond University's Vice-Chancellor Professor Tim Brailsford said the CRN grant was a significant development for Bond University and sports science research in Australia, and the timing could not have been better.

“This is not only Australia's largest sports science research project it is also the largest research grant awarded to Bond University in its 23 year history. With the Olympics about to commence, the timing of this announcement could not have been better,” said Professor Brailsford.

The CRN program provides a platform for regional and metropolitan institutions to develop their research capacity and strengthen research systems by partnering with other institutions, to leverage world-class infrastructure and specialist expertise.

Professor Brailsford said the project will bring together some of Australia's most prominent experts in musculoskeletal and sports science, such as Professor Matt Brown, Professor Bon Gray from Bond University; Professor Maria Fiatarone Singh from the University of Sydney; Professor Nicholas Brown, AIS Deputy Director (Research and Applied Science).